Metal Roof Installation Manual

Chapter 11: Delivery, Receipt, Storage

& Handling of Materials
Chapter 11: Delivery, Receipt, Storage
and Handling of Materials
Chapter Contents
11. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 11-1

11.1 The Job Site....................................................................................... 11-1

11.2 Arranging and Scheduling Delivery .......................................... 11-2

11.2.1 Ensure Adequate Space ........................................................ 11-2

11.2.2 Ensure Proper Equipment and Adequate Personnel .......... 11-3

11.3 Unloading, Receiving and Storing Materials ......................... 11-3

11.3.1 Check Weight of Bundles Versus Equipment Capacity ..... 11-3

11.3.2 Panel Length/Spreader Bar ................................................... 11-4

11.3.3 Type of Slings ....................................................................... 11-5

11.3.4 Preplan For Material Layout ................................................. 11-5

11.3.5 Check Materials Delivered Against BOM ............................. 11-7

11.3.6 Check For Damaged Materials ............................................. 11-7

11.3.7 Protecting Panels Until Installation...................................... 11-8

11.3.8 Masking and Strippable Films ............................................. 11-11

DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
site. Always ask, never assume, when it
11. INTRODUCTION comes to the rules of the work area.
A roof installation can be ruined or
jeopardized before the work even begins if Installer Note
the material and supplies are not delivered,
Some of these activities may be performed
received, stored, and handled properly.
by others who are not part of the installation
Unlike other construction materials, most
team, or may be working in conjunction with
metal roof panels and trim are fragile and
the installation team. Each installer should
easily damaged. Material can be lost or
be mindful that others helping with the
damaged during shipping or unloading.
installation may not be familiar with proper
Prior to installation, many panels can be
methods, procedures, and characteristics
permanently stained and damaged from
unique to a metal roof system. This may
exposure to moisture, dirt, and a harsh job
require the installer to notify, inform, or
site environment. (Figure 11-1) This chapter
instruct and train others in the safe and
will address "pre-installation" issues the
proper requirements necessary.
installer must address for a smooth
installation with minimum surprises.

Figure 11-2
Figure 11-1 Every Job Site Is Different and Should Be Evaluated
Damage Often Occurs After Material Is Received
On-Site and Before Installation In addition to safety, evaluate each job site
for three types of space:
Procedures and methods may vary from
installation to installation. These differences • Transportation space
may be based on contracted negotiations,
union and labor contract obligations, • Storage space
security issues, and even the site location
itself. • Working space

11.1 The Job Site Transportation space is having enough

space to safely deliver and move the
Every job site is different and must be material to the best location for unloading,
assessed based on the needs of the roof storage, and installation. Be mindful that
installation. (Figure 11-2) Job safety is material will likely be delivered via a tractor
always a priority and is covered in trailer or flatbed trailer, and that a fork lift or
Section 9.1, Job Site Safety. Check and crane will most likely be necessary to off-
review the posted safety rules at each job load the material and transport it across the
job site.

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
Consider the ground surface and travel route. OSHA and safety rules in marking roof
Uneven, muddy, or dangerous surfaces edges, openings, and other hazards.
should be avoided. Watch for and avoid
narrow paths, sharp turns, and areas with no 11.2 Arranging and Scheduling Delivery
turn around area.
Responsibility for the transportation and
Storage space will involve several areas delivery of the roof system, and its related
during the installation. (Proper storage materials, equipment, and supplies will vary
methods and protection are discussed in from job to job, and is based on negotiated
Section 11.3.7.) Roof material may need to terms which were established prior to
be stored when initially off-loaded, when starting the work. Depending on the agreed
prepped and staged for initial installation, upon terms, the party responsible may be
and when moved to its final location on the the roof manufacturer, roof contractor, or a
roof, where it will be installed. Adding to the general contractor. Any of these parties
concern is that these storage locations may may also sub-contract this portion of the
be indoors, outdoors, ground level, above work to other parties, adding to the
ground, or even roof top. They may be in a confusion. Ask and make sure all parties
secured or an unsecured area. Again, keep understand and are in agreement on the
in mind that movement of material to these pre-installation details of the roof system.
locations will likely involve a crane, fork lift,
or some mechanical device with its own set It's been said that "timing is everything,"
of space requirements. and there is truth to this statement when
applied to the delivery of metal roof
Working space will most directly affect the material. The issues associated with late
installers and their activities. This area must deliveries are well-known, but early
include the necessary space for any deliveries cause problems which are just as
installation equipment, and equipment significant. When material arrives early,
needed to move, form, bend, trim, and cut there may or may not be equipment and
material; including space for moving and manpower available for off-loading. Then
handling long panels. Do not overlook the the material must be stored even longer
space required for unpacking, separating, than originally planned, until needed for
and sorting the material. Instructions and installation. There may or may not be
smaller parts are often shipped within other available storage space, plus there is the
packages. Some material, such as sealers, added risk of damage while being stored.
adhesives, and touch-up materials, may
need to be unpacked immediately, and may Time from on-site delivery of the material to
require special storage conditions. installation should be kept to a minimum,
and will require exceptional planning,
Give consideration to other work being communication, and cooperation between
performed in the area and avoid any all parties involved.
interference. Evaluate the flow and path of
the work. Paths should be clear, well- 11.2.1 Ensure Adequate Space
marked, and free from obstructions and The space required when the roof system is
hazards. Avoid high traffic areas whenever delivered will depend on several factors.
possible. Above ground or roof top work The quantity and size of the manufactured
areas should avoid any work near edges or materials and how the manufacturer packs
openings. Where applicable, follow all and ships the material will determine

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
specifics of the equipment needed and the is the key to the lock. Make sure that the
area required for the material. key for any secured gates, areas, and locks
will be available at the time the material
arrives. It is also important that security
personnel be notified of the expected
delivery and pertinent details.

11.3 Unloading, Receiving, and

Storing Materials

Note: Indented paragraphs in this section

are reprinted with permission from the
MBMA Metal Roofing Systems Design
Figure 11-3
Manual.
Ensure Adequate Space for Equipment and Material
As previously mentioned, the
Job site characteristics, combined with the responsibility for unloading and
space requirements necessary to unload receiving the material may vary
the material, will determine the specific based on negotiated agreements.
location where the material can be safely "Unloading", however, should not
unloaded (Figure 11-3). Some jobsites have be confused with "receiving," as
pre-determined delivery locations, and may the two terms have entirely
provide separate means of unloading and different meanings. "Unloading" is
delivering the material within the work area. the physical act of furnishing labor,
equipment, rigging, and expertise
11.2.2 Ensure Proper Equipment and to remove materials from trucks
Adequate Personnel (normally open flatbeds) at the
project site, and to place them in
The equipment and personnel necessary at
the storage or distribution area.
the time of delivery will largely depend on the
size of material and how it was packaged for "Receiving" has other implications
shipping. This includes the weight of the which are discussed below. If an
material and individual packages. independent contractor is
responsible for unloading and
The vehicle or trailer used to deliver the
installation, it does not mean that he
material will also be a factor. Some styles of
automatically accepts responsibility
trailers will not be able to be unloaded using
for receiving the material. In fact,
certain equipment. Certain configurations
the opposite is more often the
may require a dock or elevated area in
common practice. Contract
order to unload the roof material, while
language should spell out how
flatbed trailers and job site conditions may
these responsibilities are divided
require a forklift designed for outdoor use.
and coordinated. In lieu thereof,
Equipment specifics are covered more normal practice is that the
thoroughly in Section 11.3, Unloading, installation contractor “offloads",
Receiving, and Storing Materials. but the party who has furnished the
material "receives". If the party
Another item that is often overlooked involves responsible for receiving does not
security. The critical component to security have a representative present at

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
the time of delivery to check the

© Rob Haddock all rights reserved

shipment and sign documents, the
installation contractor may do so,
but normally only as an agent for
the absent party.

11.3.1 Check Weight of Bundles Versus

Equipment Capacity

Handling of individual metal roof panels is

covered in Section 9.3, Handing Materials. Figure 11-5
Many Shorter Panels May be Moved by a Fork Lift
While individual metal roof panels are
lightweight, bundles are not. The length,
coupled with the weight of the bundles,
necessitates the use of equipment to lift, Large crates and bundles of material
move, and transport the bundles of material may have different handling
as shown in Figure 11-4. Any time requirements from one manufacturer
equipment is used with bundles of material, to the next. Some panels are more
make sure the weight of the bundle is fragile than others when they are
known and the load limits of the equipment bundled. This is a function of the
are known. The bundle weight should be panels' shape, gauge, material, width,
marked on the bundle itself, available on and length dimensions. Crating
the shipping documentation, or can be procedures and designs vary amongst
found by calling the manufacturer of the manufacturers as well. Some utilize
roofing material. very elaborate crates which are
designed in truss-like fashion to help
support panels. Others simply block
and band, and still others may offer
options. The handling requirements
are usually spelled out by each
manufacturer in their installation
manuals. These requirements should
be reviewed by the installation
Figure 11-4 contractor prior to arrival of materials
Moving Bundled Roof Panels Requires Equipment at the site so that he can make
arrangements for any special training,
The equipment load limits should be clearly hoisting equipment, or rigging that
marked on the equipment itself. If unknown, may be needed.
the equipment load limits could be
determined by checking online, or contacting 11.3.2 Panel Length / Spreader Bar
the manufacturer of the equipment. Additional
equipment may also require the use of While specifics about pick-points can
spreader bars and/or straps. vary greatly, some general statements
can be made regarding the handling
of bundles of material. Normal over-
the-road shipments will involve length
restrictions of about 41 feet. Such
bundle lengths require some special
lifting considerations and separation of

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
pick-points. Rarely will a conventional used in direct contact with roof
forklift, as shown in Figure 11-5, be panels or sheet metal trim. Nylon
adequate. When using a spreader webbed slings are the rigging of
beam, as shown in Figure 11-6, two choice, and are available in many
pick-points are often adequate. widths. Sling widths of 4" or more are
recommended to minimize damage
to the panel edges. When full-length
(40') bundles are set on the ground
or roof, they should be supported at
a minimum of one place for each ten
feet of length.

Straps should be clean and free from debris

to avoid marring and damaging panels
when lifting. Always check the condition of
© Rob Haddock, all rights reserved
any straps and wire ropes. Any fraying of
wire rope, or red threads visible on cloth or
Figure 11-6
Spreader Beam with Two Pick-Points nylon straps, spells danger and should not
be used. Frayed or damaged straps may
In rare cases, as shown in Figure 11- break or tear causing damage, injury, or
7, three or more pick-points may be even death.
necessary due to panel length, while
bundle weights will not usually 11.3.4 Preplan for Material Layout
exceed 3,000 lbs. Always check and
Proper planning of material layout can save
confirm the load limit of any lifting
significant amounts of time and money
device.
during the installation as well as prevent
damage to the roof material. In addition to
planning the layout of larger panels and
pieces, the installer should also plan the
location, storage and availability of the
smaller material and accessories like clips,
fasteners, and sealant.

Material layout should also consider the

location of on-site roll-formers, brakes, and
trimming tools. Even consideration of the
left or right-handedness of the installer will
allow the work to flow smoother and can
eliminate unnecessary twisting and turning.
© Rob Haddock, all rights reserved

Figure 11-7 Preloading Materials

Longer Panels Require 3 or More Pick-Points
A common trade practice is to "pre-
11.3.3 Type of Slings load" and stage panels and other
materials onto the building or roof
Two bridled wire rope slings are structure prior to the actual
sometimes used in lieu of a spreader commencement of roofing work. This
beam, but wire rope should not be is shown in Figure 11-8. The

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
objective is to place materials in
close proximity to where they will be
needed, which reduces time and
traffic involved in moving materials
from place to place. On new
construction, this is often done
during the installation of the
structure. On retrofit and renovation
work, it is sometimes done
immediately upon delivery of
material, or otherwise just prior to the
start of the roof installation.
In other cases, it may be done at
various intervals as the work
progresses. That can reduce labor
costs, expedite the roof installation,
Figure 11-9
and greatly reduce the possibilities of
Ground Locations Are Subject To Mud Splashes
material damage.
There are a number of factors which
must be considered before pre-
loading any materials. The structure
must be in a condition to
accommodate the point loads which
will occur from pre-loading. This will
usually mandate that loads are
placed directly over a primary
framing component, and not in the
middle of a bay, as seen in Figure
11-10. It may also require some
special shoring of certain secondary
structural components.

Existing construction must be

© Rob Haddock, all rights reserved
carefully inspected to determine
Figure 11-8 where such bearing points are prior
Pre-Staging Material on the Roof Has Many to setting any loads on the roof.
Advantages But Caution Must Be Used Individual bundle weights should be
investigated and quantified to be
Roof panels can also occupy an sure they do not exceed what the
inordinate amount of physical space structure will tolerate. Care should
on a jobsite when stored on the also be taken with regard to nestable
ground; hence, pre-loading can hardware, sub-purlins and the like,
relieve congestion on the site. When as the weight of these items can far
panel material is pre-loaded, it also exceed that of panel bundles. An
seems to stay much cleaner by not existing roof should not be pre-
being exposed to mud splashes and loaded with construction materials at
other ground traffic like the panels a time of year when it is likely to
shown in Figure 11-9.

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
experience design live loads such as that the material received is the same as
snow or ice. the material ordered, and matches the
ordered quantity.

11.3.6 Check for Damaged Materials

Along with confirmation of the BOM,

checking allows for a quick
inspection of the material for initial
damage. When the truck with the
roofing material is received at the
site, a transaction occurs whereby
the shipper is released from this
responsibility. This transaction
Figure 11-10
occurs when the party receiving the
Material Should Be Staged at the material, sometimes the installer,
Bearing Points of the Roof acknowledges (by signature) that the
goods are free from damage or loss.
When pre-loading, attention should
For this reason, it is important that a
be given to installation particulars,
reasonable effort is made to confirm
like sheeting direction and bundle
that, in fact, the shipment is
quantities, in order to stage materials
complete and free from damage. If
correctly. Because bundles must be
shipping damage or loss has
placed over a frame-line, the bundle
occurred, it must be noted on the
quantities must also match up with
Delivery Receipt. Normally the
the bay length. For instance, if the
Receipt will have a signature line,
bay length is 20 ', then the bundle
which says, "Received in good
size for 24" panels should be ten
condition except as noted." When
panels - or alternatively twenty
this line is signed without notation, it
panels if they are to cover two bays.
is acknowledgment by the receiving
When looking at these particulars, it
party that all containers and material
may be necessary to re-bundle
noted thereon has been received
material before loading in order to
complete and without visible
have it staged correctly. Because
damage.
most products are directional in their
installation, and, therefore, have an
"upslope" and "downslope" end, care
must be taken to place them
accordingly.

11.3.5 Check Materials Delivered

Against Bill of Material (BOM)
The material received should be checked
against the Bill of Material (BOM) prior to
beginning any installation. This confirms

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
long as manifested bundles and
containers are properly accounted
for on the shipping documentation. If
there is an observed shortage, or
damage to the shipment, it should be
noted on the Delivery Receipt. In
addition, the shipper and purchaser
should be notified immediately so that
arrangements can be made for a
freight claim, as well as replacement
materials.

Never sign for material which is obviously

Figure 11-11 damaged, or received in a damaged
Early Detection of Damaged Material Will Help Avoid container, without noting such damage on
Delays and Speed Replacement
the paperwork at the time of signing. Also
It is good practice that if damage to a notify the appropriate parties of any
container is visible, it be investigated damage so replacement material can be
to be sure that the contents are ordered.
complete and unharmed, and then
Liability for damaged material will depend
noted on the Delivery Receipt: “One
on when the damage occurred and
container damaged- no loss or
circumstances surrounding the manner in
damage apparent." Such notation
which the damage took place.
preserves the right to assert a claim
later, if upon closer examination, loss
or damage is found, as seen in Installer Note
Figure 11-11. If an installer proceeds and uses visibly
damaged material, the liability of the
It is common practice that at the time
responsible party is often removed. This
of delivery, the shipment is checked
means there can be no compensation for
for completeness according to
damaged material, including labor costs.
quantities of bags, boxes, and
bundles. It is not necessary to count
screws, clips, or bolts in a container Inspection also allows a knowledgeable
to ascertain the completeness of installer to identify the material and determine
each, or to count panels within a if it seems to be correct for the installation.
crate. The objective is to be sure that
the number of crates, bundles, 11.3.7 Protecting Panels Until Installation
boxes, and so forth are delivered as
Once on-site, it is critical that metal roof
manifested, and not visibly
materials be protected until installation. This
damaged. Shortages of containers,
includes any storage, staging, and handling
as manifested, are an issue to be
activities. Often material is damaged after it
taken up with the freight carrier. A
is received, and prior to final installation.
shortage within a container is an
Most damage which takes place during this
issue to be taken up between buyer
period is cause by:
and seller (shipper). A truck should
not be unreasonably detained in • Moisture
order to count parts and pieces, as

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
• Handling • Top wrap of the cover overlaps
bottom wrap to avoid entrance and
• Dirt
ponding of water runoff.
• Physical damage
• Stacked material should be sloped
Standing water and condensation are the for drainage.
primary causes of Moisture damage to roof
panels and trim. (See Figure 11-12) Both • Stacked material should be blocked
so the stack is approximately one foot
causes may be eliminated by proper storage
methods which allow for drainage of any above the ground surface. This allows
good air flow as well as avoids
standing water and "room to breathe" (air
ground moisture and surface
flow through the material) especially
drainage that may occur. Spacing of
between individual panels.
the blocks should be close enough to
prevent the panel from sagging or
distorting. Long panels should be
blocked at least every 10 feet.
• Secure the cover to allow air to
circulate under the surface.
• Consider inserting spacer blocks
© Rob Haddock, all rights reserved
between the individual panels. Blocks
will allow for air flow and drainage to
keep the panels dry, avoiding staining.

If panels or bundles do
become wet, it is important to
un-bundle and allow them to
© Rob Haddock, all rights reserved air-dry to prevent corrosion.
Figure 11-12 Corrosion and staining
Pre-Installation Moisture Damage of Roof Panels tendencies will vary based on
the material, profile, and
The ideal storage method is illustrated in bundling method used for the
Figure 11-13. When storage using this ideal panel. Most manufacturers
method is not entirely possible, the following address this issue in the
key points must be addressed in order to instructions shipped with the
prevent damage to the material: material.
• Cover with a water-resistant not a
water-proof material. Do not use
plastic. Plastic does not allow the
area to breathe and produces
condensation.
• However, if plastic tarps or sheets
are the only material available, they
should be blocked off the bundle to
allow adequate ventilation.

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11

Figure 11-13 Figure 11-14

Proper Storage of Roof Panels Panel Damage Caused by Improper Handling

Handling damage may include the obvious Dirt is inevitable in the construction trades
damage resulting from improper lifting of and eliminating dirt on a jobsite, as shown in
bundles. Proper handling of bundles was Figure 11-15, is neither practical nor possible.
covered earlier in Section 11.3, but panel Yet dirt is a very real enemy to a metal roof
damage also comes from improper handling and can damage, or at least mar, the
of panels by individuals with improper appearance of any roof surface. The long
protection. Some panels are damaged by term effects of dirt accumulations will shorten
body oils, dirt, and residue from bare skin or the life of even the best installed roof.
contaminated gloves. This kind of damage
is shown in Figure of 11-14. Always When not in use, panels and materials
read and follow the manufacturer's handling should be covered to prevent dust and dirt
instructions. Often this type of damage does from settling on the top surfaces as well as
not show up until after the roof has been in any accidental splashing or spilling of
service for a period of time. material. (See Figure 11-16)

Figure 11-15
An Impossible Situation
(Eliminating Dirt From Construction Sites)

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
shows corrosion of a roof panel from dirt
and debris which was not cleaned up
promptly after work was performed in the
area. Prevention and prompt clean-up of all
dirt and debris, along with careful
scheduling and coordinating of work
between the trades is essential.

Figure 11-16
Uncovered, Stacked, Material Will Accumulate
Significant Dirt on the Top Panel

Eliminate, or minimize, walking on roof panels

while stacked or even after installation.
Designated walk areas will confine any
additional tracked dirt, and reduce any
necessary clean up, to those specific areas, © Rob Haddock, all rights reserved
especially if a non-slip walking surface is
provided. Figure 11-17 shows staining likely Figure 11-18
Corrosion Caused By Failure to Clean Up After Work
caused by inattention to the potential damage Was Performed
from careless walking and improper footwear.
Physical damage can occur to the roof
material when the staged material is used
as a work surface, support for other material,
or even a table for breaks and lunch.
Material located near a common walk way
is also vulnerable to damage from others
taking shortcuts or careless transportation
of materials catching the staged material.
Protective cones or warnings should be
considered in such areas.

11.3.8 Masking and Strippable Films

Figure 11-17 Many panels have a protective covering or

Panel Damage Resulting From Foot Traffic film applied to their surface right after
manufacturing and prior to packaging and
The metal roof surface can also be shipping. This process is shown in
damaged by dirt from work being performed Figure 11-19. The protective film serves the
in the area. Work done by other trades, like same purpose and is similar to the film
masons, electricians, and carpenters, as found on new television screens, computer
well as processes like cutting, sawing, monitors, or cell phone displays. These
welding, and soldering, all create dirt which films must be removed at the time the panel
can damage the roof surface. Figure 11-18

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DELIVERY, RECEIPT, STORAGE, & HANDLING OF MATERIALS CHAPTER 11
is installed. If this film is not removed by the ___________________________________
installer at the time of installation, the heat ___________________________________
and environment will "bake" this film onto ___________________________________
the panel and it will be difficult, if not ___________________________________
impossible, to remove. It will eventually ___________________________________
peel, discolor, and become an eyesore. ___________________________________
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Figure 11-19 ___________________________________
Strippable Film Being Applied to the ___________________________________
Coil Flat Before Roll Forming
___________________________________
Notes:
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